Cytospora Cankers

• Cytospora is a fungal disease that kills the lower branches of the Norway spruce tree. Once a tree has become infected with this disease, cankers start to form at the base of branches where the branches meet with the trunk of the tree. Branches infected will feature brown needles and defoliation. Resin oozes from the canker and dry to create white spots on the bark of the tree. Left untreated, this disease will kill the Norway spruce tree.
  
  

Controlling Cytospora Cankers

• Trees older than 15 are more susceptible to this disease than younger trees. Prevent this disease from infecting the tree by taking care not to wound the bark of the tree with mowers or landscaping tools. Trees which are infested with insects such as spider mites have an increased chance of being damaged by cytospora cankers. If signs of this disease are present, prune any infected branches, disinfecting the tools after every cut. In many cases, this tree will need to be pruned back to the main trunk. Unfortunately there are no chemical controls which have proven effective in treating this disease and there is no way to reverse the damage done.
  
  

Needle Cast

• Needle cast is a fungal disease caused by Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. Norway spruce trees infected with this disease will show the earliest signs of infection on the lower branches. Symptoms associated with this disease include the yellowing and eventual browning of the needles. Once they have turned brown, the needles fall to the ground. It can take up to 12 months from the time of infection for defoliation to occur.
  
  

Controlling Needle Cast

• The best method of control for needle blight is to prevent the disease by providing the tree with ample air circulation and keeping the soil from becoming overly saturated with water. In cases where symptoms are present, treat the tree with an application of fungicide. All fungicides should be applied per manufacturer instructions.
  
  

Care

• Maintain a healthy Norway spruce tree by providing it with ideal growing conditions. Norway spruce trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7. Within these zones, the tree should be planted in acidic or slightly alkaline soils that are clay, loamy, or sandy in nature. This tree prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sunlight. Norway spruce trees are moderately tolerant of drought conditions and aerosol salt but should not be exposed to salt in the soil.